Music & Arts
Music and the arts play an important and powerful part in all our lives. Whether it be through music, movement, storytelling, singing, drama, reading or writing poetry, Avon Cliff offers each resident the opportunity to explore the many ways in which music and creative arts can enrich their wellbeing.
Music Brings Joy, Identity & Connection
Music has a positive effect on our wellbeing, stimulating our emotions and increasing our motivation.
It’s a shared language that enables us to appreciate and enjoy music together, and because it’s non-verbal, it’s accessible to everyone.
Our home encourages residents to share their musical preferences to help us maintain their identity and connection to their life events. We aim to create different, personal and meaningful musical experiences for each resident.
Enjoyed In Group Sessions & One-To-Ones
Our group music sessions are a wonderful way for residents to feel engaged and be involved in a variety of ways. Making music and singing together promotes feelings of inclusion and belonging, increasing socialisation and self- confidence.
Sessions are accessible to everyone and residents are invited to take part and respond in their own way, from passive listening or subtle tapping of fingers or feet, to active participation with bold risk taking by playing a large drum or spontaneous dancing.
Using different instruments and props we can create music and movements that reflect the rhythm, texture, timbre and style of the music.
Residents can also enjoy a live music performance as a group or on a one-to-one basis as many of our Companionship Teams members are skilled and confident musicians.
“The whole room was involved in Fiona’s class and everyone was obviously enjoying themselves. Everyone could join in!” – Ruth, visitor to a Colten Care home
Support From Our Dedicated Music & Arts Partner
Our home is lucky to have access to Colten Care’s dedicated Music & Arts Partner, Fiona Pritchard, who inspires and leads the development of music and creative arts activities and interventions in all our homes, ensuring this is central to the social wellbeing of everyone in our care.
Fiona is a professional musician who trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. She has a wealth of experience as both teacher and performer and is an accomplished composer and songwriter.
Fiona also gained an MSc in Dementia Studies with Arts and Activities from Bradford University and uses this increased understanding of dementia to influence and guide her work in our 21 homes.
Her training and experience means she can offer focussed one to one sessions with an informed person-centred approach, providing additional support for residents, their families and our teams.
She showcases creativity in our homes at conferences and in journal publications and creates links with local communities, working in partnership with our home teams to engage with arts organisations nationwide.
A key part of her role is stimulating residents’ creativity and imagination through singing, playing music, drama, poetry, storytelling, dance and listening. She is also active in coordinating regular opportunities for residents, relatives and people in the community to engage in activities together.
Inviting The Best Local Performers To Entertain Us
In addition to the support and engagement provided by Fiona, we regularly invite performers into the home to delight our residents.
Our home’s Companionship Team is well connected with popular local performers, including the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. They regularly organise scheduled visits by musicians and entertainers who are used to performing for people living in a care home setting.
We maintain a central database of professionals that helps us ensure each team has access to the most enjoyable and popular performers. We listen to the feedback from residents to make sure their favourite artists return regularly!
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” – Pablo Picasso
Art
Art and painting encourage creativity and self-expression that supports emotional wellbeing. Art can stimulate memories, improve focus and concentration, relieve stress and encourages communication. We understand how important this is to our residents, and make sure that regular opportunities for drawing and painting are included in our activity schedule. We invite local artists into our homes to share their skills and advise residents, encouraging supporting them to express themselves through art.
Arts & Crafts
Arts and crafts brings people together, and enables us to experience feelings of community and belonging through the social interaction, reminiscence and memories that accompany a shared making environment. Pottery, knitting, crocheting and crafting are just some of the activities residents enjoy throughout the year, often focussing on seasonal and religious holidays.
Music is Life Itself
Enjoy a selection of snaps of music lifting souls across the Colten Care family of care homes.
See if you can spot the residents and Companions of Avon Cliff!
Erika practising a dance routine at the Mad For Dance Academy
Gill and St Catherines View Home Manager, Vanda, enjoying African Culture Day
Ron joining in with the Diamond Divas Choir
Elizabeth and her daughter enjoying a Best of Broadway performance by Tickled Pink Productions
Gwen and Senior Care Lead, Priscilla, getting ready for a ‘Grease’ sing-along
Valerie and Companion, Rose, dancing at a Parisian Afternoon Tea outing
Julia feeling the music
Georgina playing the harp
Robert keeping the beat for a Chinese dragon performance
Residents enjoying a ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ style performance
Dawn cardio drumming
Residents and Companions dancing the afternoon away
Jack and Companion, Rose, performing at the Lymington Pop-Up Choir
Keith showing off his acting skills
Find Out More About Avon Cliff
Supporting Every Aspect of Life
Meet the Team
Find out more about our dedicated team of compassionate individuals who are committed to providing the highest standards of clinical and social care to our residents. From our Carers to our Chef and Gardener, to our Housekeeping team and Nurses, each member plays a vital role in our ‘One Team’ approach, where residents are at the heart of everything we do.
Helpful Insights for Informed Choices
Help & Advice
Choosing the right care home can be challenging, and having the right information is essential. We provide clear answers and resources to make your journey smoother. Whether it’s guidance on costs, the moving-in process, or what to look for, our team is here to help you make an informed decision with confidence.
Homely Comforts & a Fulfilling Life
Lifestyle
At Avon Cliff, we provide a welcoming environment where residents can enjoy meaningful lives. From personalised bedrooms and homely surroundings to nutritious meals and engaging activities, every aspect of life is thoughtfully cared for.
Personalised Care for Every Stage of Later Life
Our Care
Whether you or your loved one needs assistance with daily personal care and medication, support during recovery from a hospital stay, expert nursing care for managing conditions like Parkinson’s, strokes, or diabetes, or dedicated assistance in later life, our experienced care and nursing team is here to help.
We’re Here To Help
Whether you’d like an initial chat about the care we provide, you have a question about our all-inclusive fees, or you’d like more information about one of our beautiful homes, we’re here to help.